Major Players

1.Volkstok’n’barrel (NZ): Excellent lead up in the Hollindale Stakes going back off a wide draw then hitting the line hard beaten only 2.5 lengths third when the winner and runner up had every favour in running. His third up winning strike rate is at 75% and he’s won 66% of the time at 2000m.

I thought he would measure up in last year’s Cox Plate after his performances in the Autumn of 2015, but he just never came up in the spring. I’d prefer Blake Shinn to hold a forward position on settling, but on my map he’s most likely to be shuffled back with the likelihood of an early speed battle with on-speed runners drawn wide.

2.Hauraki: Is the early favourite on the exchange and loomed up to win the Hollindale Stakes only to peak on his run in the final 100m. His final 200m split was soft so I’m prepared to say he’ll improve on that performance, which he needs to. Maps to get every favour in running drawn barrier one and if he doesn’t win here the jury is definitely out on his future at Group One level. D-Day!

3.Our Ivanhowe: His best ratings say he’s a winning chance but there’s obvious hoof issues with the horse. He trialled OK on a heavy track over 1550m but comes here to far against the past winner’s profile to entertain seriously at a single figure quote. Betting will tell the story. Watch.

5.It’s Somewhat: Not sure why Damian Brown went back on this runner last start? Damian is one of the best front riding jockeys on the planet and this horses usual racing pattern is up and on the speed. I expect him to position outside the leader this time and prove hard to run down.

8. Spiritjim (FR): Import who impressed first up when taken back off an inside draw in the Hollindale Stakes beaten 4 lengths after tracking widest in the home turn. He had enough early speed to settle much closer than he did that day. He now has another inside draw but with master tactician Hugh Bowman engaged.

Expect him to track Hauraki into the race. This runner contested last years L’Arc Triomphe which speaks volumes of his potential. If Waller has found the key to him he’s the runner who is most likely to jump out of the ground.